CHENANGNO COUNTY – Chenango County legislators are ready to take the next step forward with a proposed spending plan for 2014 and hear the concerns of the taxpayers during a public hearing that’s scheduled for later this month.

The proposed 2014 budget calls for a slight average tax rate increase of 1.56 percent from 2013 or about 20 cents per $1,000 (an estimated $15 per resident) – less than was called for in the 2013 budget, though individual town rates will vary depending on equalization rates and assessed value total. Next year’s proposed budget also comes in under the state mandated two percent tax cap by nearly $9,000, applies less money from county reserves than has been in recent years, and keeps the county debt-free.

Town and City of Norwich supervisors met for third day of annual session Wednesday to hash out details of the pending financial plan. A public hearing regarding the proposed budget is scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the board of supervisors’ chamber inside the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich. A final budget meeting for the County Board of Supervisors will be held Nov. 27.